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Police Radio Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

City of South St. Paul

Police Reserves

South Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$49K - $63K/yr

Reserve Officers are provided with a uniform including jacket, hat, badge, and hand-held radio. All issued uniform and equipment items remain the property of the South St. Paul Police Reserve Unit ...

City of Owatonna, MN

Police Officer

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$39.12 - $52.66/hr

Answer and respond to radio or telephone dispatches. - Assist individuals with disabled vehicles ... Operating a computer and related software applications; - Dealing firmly but courteously with the ...

City of Owatonna

Police Officer

Owatonna, MN · On-site

$39.12 - $52.66/hr

Answer and respond to radio or telephone dispatches. - Assist individuals with disabled vehicles ... Operating a computer and related software applications; - Dealing firmly but courteously with the ...

City of Stillwater (MN)

Patrol Officer

Stillwater, MN

$94K - $126K/yr

... in the performance of police operating activities. Serves as a member of various employee ... radio, phone, typewriter, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, police car, police radio, asp ...

Blue Earth County, MN

911 Telecommunicator

Mankato, MN · On-site

$61K - $86K/yr

... operating procedure manual. Provides public service information including weather/road conditions ... Monitors and operates multiple ARMER radio talk groups and conventional radio channels. Receives ...

Blue Earth County

911 Telecommunicator

Mankato, MN

$61K - $86K/yr

... operating procedure manual. Provides public service information including weather/road conditions ... Monitors and operates multiple ARMER radio talk groups and conventional radio channels. Receives ...

Mower County

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Austin, MN

$27.66 - $37.34/hr

Using highly technical computer aided dispatch systems (CAD) and multi-channel radio/paging ... Operators must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism despite frequent contact ...

Mower County

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Austin, MN · On-site

$27.66 - $37.34/hr

Using highly technical computer aided dispatch systems (CAD) and multi-channel radio/paging ... Operators must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism despite frequent contact ...

University of San Francisco

Dispatcher

Hilltop, MN

The Communications Center is operated 24 hours a day and a dispatcher may be required to work ... Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete ...

University of San Francisco

Dispatcher

Hilltop, MN

The Communications Center is operated 24 hours a day and a dispatcher may be required to work ... Evaluates incoming reports of police, fire, and medical emergencies; immediately transmits complete ...

Canterbury Park

Seasonal Paramedic

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$32 - $43.20/hr

Communicate with police/ambulance personnel as necessary. * Maintain a clean and orderly work ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

All JobsPolice Radio Operator JobsPolice Radio Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Police Radio Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$32.8K

$54K

$70.5K

How much do police radio operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for police radio operator in Minnesota is $53,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I work at a police station without being a police officer?

Police radio operators are civilian employees who work at police stations to handle emergency calls and dispatch officers. They do not need to be police officers and typically require communication skills, training, and sometimes certification in emergency communication. These roles support law enforcement but do not involve law enforcement authority or patrol duties.

What are Police Radio Operators?

Police Radio Operators are specialized professionals who manage radio communications for law enforcement agencies. They are responsible for receiving, transmitting, and relaying information between police officers, emergency responders, and dispatch centers. Their duties often include handling emergency calls, monitoring police activities, and ensuring that critical information is communicated quickly and accurately. This role is vital for coordinating responses and maintaining public safety during incidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Police Radio Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Radio Operator, you need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task, typically supported by a high school diploma and relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with radio dispatch systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and emergency communication protocols is essential. Remaining calm under pressure, quick decision-making, and teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure accurate information relay, effective coordination of law enforcement resources, and public safety during critical incidents.

Is being a radio operator a stressful job?

Police radio operators often work in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and clear communication are essential. The job can be stressful due to the need to handle emergency calls, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and operate under shift schedules that may include nights and weekends.

What qualifications do you need to work at a radio station?

For a police radio operator position, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate radio and computer systems. Some agencies may require certification in emergency communication or dispatch training, and a background check is usually necessary.

What is the difference between Police Radio Operator vs Police Dispatcher?

AspectPolice Radio OperatorPolice Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication skillsHigh school diploma, communication skills, often certifications
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, radio roomsDispatch centers, emergency call rooms
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agenciesLaw enforcement agencies, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Radio Operators and Police Dispatchers both work within law enforcement agencies, handling communication and coordination. While Police Radio Operators primarily monitor radio channels and relay information, Police Dispatchers actively coordinate responses to emergencies. Both roles require strong communication skills and are essential for effective law enforcement operations.

What are some common challenges Police Radio Operators face during their shifts?

Police Radio Operators often work in high-pressure environments where quick thinking and clear communication are essential. A common challenge is managing multiple incoming calls and dispatch requests simultaneously, especially during emergencies or peak hours. Operators must prioritize calls efficiently while remaining calm and focused to ensure accurate information is relayed to officers in the field. Working as part of a team, they frequently coordinate with other emergency services, requiring strong collaboration skills and adaptability.

What is a cop radio called?

A police radio used by police radio operators is commonly called a police or law enforcement radio. It allows communication between officers and dispatchers, often operating on specific radio frequencies or channels. These radios are essential for coordinating law enforcement activities and ensuring officer safety.
Police Radio Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Radio Operator job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,988 per year, or $26 per hour.

Police Reserves

City of South St. Paul

South Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$49K - $63K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

South St. Paul Police Reserves

Made up entirely of volunteers and originally formed in 1941 as a civil defense group, the South St. Paul Police Reserves remains an active and vital arm of police protection in the city. One of the reserve's primary responsibilities is to provide assistance in emergencies such as traffic control during fires or relief during floods. Members are also on patrol at various times throughout the week, watching for criminal or suspicious activity and providing park patrol. Additional service is provided during the Kaposia Days celebration, the "On The Road Again" Fall festival, the Memorial Day Parade, as well as many other community events and activities. By 2004 the unit had seventeen members and provided over 4,000 volunteer man-hours to the community. Each volunteer goes through a Field Training Program, Use of Force training, and is trained in basic first aid.

The purpose of the South St. Paul Police Reserve Unit is to assist the South St. Paul Police Department in any disaster, to assist at parades and public gatherings, and to assist in any situation where extra personnel are needed as determined by the South St. Paul Police Department. Members of the Reserve Unit will generally perform their duties on a volunteer basis without compensation, but may be paid for some special events of assignments when approved by the Chief of Police. An important function of the Reserve Unit is to assist the patrol division of the Police Department in the delivery of non-hazardous services. In doing so, a Reserve Officer may be asked to:

  • Assist in crime scene protection
  • Assist in the search for lost persons or evidence
  • Direct traffic at accident or fire scenes
  • Provide other services as assigned
  • Provide routine limited squad patrol to include parks, schools, playgrounds, Fleming Field Airport, and any area assigned
  • Provide staffing or security for community or school events or routine assignments

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess a valid Minnesota driver's license (Class D or higher) with a good driving record. Applicants must be able to perform the duties of the position without restriction. Prior first aid and/or law enforcement training is desirable but not required. Training will be provided by the South St. Paul Reserve Unit. Reserve Officers are required to put in an average of eight hours per month and attend the monthly meetings. Meetings are held the first Sunday of each month starting at 7 p.m. and lasting approximately one hour. Reserve Officers are provided with a uniform including jacket, hat, badge, and hand-held radio. All issued uniform and equipment items remain the property of the South St. Paul Police Reserve Unit and are to be immediately returned upon the request or separation from the unit.

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